Previously, potent chemical peels and retinoids were the number one choice for acne scar removal and, until recently, had one of the higher success rates for any medical facial procedure. However, laser techniques have quickly became welcomed as the go-to procedure for acne scar removal because of the control and precision doctors held when using the instruments. You can be in and out of the office within 30 minutes with substantial layers of damaged skin removed from your face.

WHAT IS LASER ACNE SCAR REMOVAL?

There are two kinds of lasers for acne scar removal:

-Erbium (ER) or YAG: YAG lasers use precise wavelengths and the moisture content in the skin to penetrate and be absorbed into the problem area.

-Carbon Dioxide (CO2) lasers are relatively new in the skin surgery industry and patients must meet specific requirements in order to qualify for the procedure. It emits short bursts of extremely high-energy, highly focused laser light that vaporizes the scarred tissue layer by layer.

Sound great? Think again.

These procedures certainly do not come without risk. Here I will outline a few reasons why Laser Acne Scar Removal may not be for you:

-Cost: These procedures each cost $3000-$6000… per treatment!

If that doesn’t deter you, here are some other things that might:

-Burning: Because these are high-energy lasers they have been known to cause burning on the skin. This results in many side effects such as crusting, oozing, infections, swelling, cysts, and dilated blood vessels immediately after treatment.

-Hyper/Hypo pigmentation: If the laser is not used perfectly (and even if it is) some skin is more sensitive to others and may develop an uneven skin tone in the areas surrounding the lasers path. This discoloration leaves the skin lighter/darker then the skin around it and appears blotchy, sometimes more unsightly then the acne scars themselves.

-Textures: Post surgery can have many surprises in regards to your skins texture and appearance. Common side effects of laser treatments include eczema, acne, cysts, and sagging of the skin due to inconsistent application of lasers. These effects often leave your skin in worse condition then when you went in.

-Not addressing the underlying cause: The concept of laser acne removal is, at its core, only a cover up of any underlying issue that may be causing your acne in the first place. It is important to find and address the issue before even considering a procedure of this kind (in fact, non-active acne is a requirement for laser acne scar removal anyway).

WHAT WE SUGGEST

I will start by pulling an online testimonial. This person was responding to someone inquiring about laser acne scar removal because of a whitehead pimple that had left behind a scar. This was their response:

“I do not recommend you any ablative laser procedures (neither CO2, no Erbium). I still suffer from the consequences from CO2 fractional laser procedure that was performedon me 4 months ago. It left me with sag skin texture, more scarring from the laser and pigmentation (even though the settings were not too high as describedby the doctor).

We recommend exhausting every other option first before spending the money on and taking the risk of a laser treatment. Glycolic acid and microdermabrasion can help renew damaged skin very effectively when done right.

ZENMED’s Skin Eraser Kit uses two of the best skin retexturing solutions available in dermatology today: microdermabrasion and glycolic acid. By sloughing the dead skin from the surface of your face you immediately reveal a clearer complexion and natural glow, helping the skin penetrate the actives from the Skin Eraser better. From there, the
Skin Eraser serum works to make acne scars appear lighter and less visible, diminish minor imperfections, minimize the appearance of wrinkles, and even out skin pigment and tone.

Want better news? This kit is only $59.99. Less downtime, no risks, and 20+ treatments for your scarring and imperfections.

As for the problem of underlying causes, ZENMED offers its famous Derma Cleanse system with Derma Cleans Capsules. This herbal formulation helps promote a healthier complexion from within based on Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine principles by aiding with the body’s natural elimination processes.

Acne scarring happens to the best of us, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. And it certainly doesn’t have to be costly. Check out ZENMED for some inexpensive and safe alternatives to Laser Acne Scar Removal and pricey professional chemical peels.